May 18, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save as defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) battles for positioning with Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) in the second period of game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The final score was the same as Wednesday night’s Game 1 in Chicago, but with the visitors on the winning side this time. Detroit Red Wings players made promises to their fans via interviews and social media that they would come out harder in Game 2 and resemble the team that fans expected. Detroit did just that.

Here are a couple facts: First, Patrick Kane scored his first goal of the post season for the Chicago Blackhawks. This should get the guys fired up, right? Finally, one of the two guys we’ve been waiting for is scoring goals! Toews can’t be far behind. Second, the penalty kill unit is still undefeated so far in the playoffs, killing off all 23 penalties. With both of those tidbits, Blackhawks fans would be excited for Game 2. But Kane’s goal was the only one scored by the Blackhawks. And although they killed off 4 penalties, they gave up 4 even strength goals.

The Blackhawks had trouble protecting the captain, making passes, not falling at inopportune times, and giving an extra push to gain puck possession. In short, they played one of their worst games of the year, and there have only been about 4 or 5 of those.

Damien Brunner tied it up early in the second period and the Red Wings took the lead with a goal from Brendan Smith with 4 minutes remaining. Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula both added insurance goals in the third period to silence the United Center for the afternoon.

The best player for the Blackhawks was easily Corey Crawford who made 26 saves – a few of them pretty spectacular – and kept his team in it for as long as he could. The sluggish defense of the Blackhawks relied on Crawford so they could take another breath or two. With the lethargic showing by the Blackhawks against an extra determined Detroit team, Joel Quenneville should think twice about reintroducing the speed of benched Viktor Stalberg for their trip across the lake.

Being tied 1-1 in the series against the Red Wings isn’t the worst case scenario. The series is moving to Detroit where the Blackhawks are 9-0-1 in their last 10 visits. Stealing a game back at the Joe will be a fight, but definitely doable! This will be a long series if the Blackhawks use this game as a wake up call and play like the Blackhawks again! Let’s go Hawks!

Do you think the Blackhawks will take a game in Detroit?

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Jan 8, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the United Center during the game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Any hockey fan knows of the historic rivalries of the Original 6 teams and of the special rivalry between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. After decades spent perfecting both hatred and respect, the Blackhawks and Red Wings rivalry is alive and well and is one of the most sentimental aspects of hockey. This rivalry may begin with the two teams, but it doesn’t end there. It wouldn’t be anything without the follow through from their fans.

Fans of the Blackhawks and Red Wings have been rivals for just as long as their teams have been around. The short distance between the two cities means that plenty of fans from both sides show up to every game and have a battle of their own – a battle to either keep or take away home ice advantage with their cheers, chants and traditions. The rivalry between the fans is every bit as intense as the one played out on the ice.

But fighting against someone for that long turns into respect after a while and maybe even a little bit of appreciation. Both sets of fans know hockey and are deeply loyal to their team, traditions, and history. They cross paths often, and many live just across the lake from each other. Others live just down the street – in the middle of Virginia, or Oregon, or New Zealand. If you are a Blackhawks fan, no matter where you are, you are bound to find a Red Wings fan close by. The rivalry is too old and too fun to be confined to the metropolis areas of Chicago and Detroit. These fans are never far apart, detesting each other, trash talking, and loving hockey together.

Although the Blackhawks and Red Wings won’t be in the same division next season, the cities aren’t moving. Chicago and Detroit will still be there, and their fans at home and across nations will be the breath that keeps the rivalry alive for decades more. But right now, they’re preparing for another historic playoff series between two teams that know each other well and fans that know each other even better.

So Blackhawks fans, go ahead and make plans with your Red Wings fanatic friends to watch every game of this playoff series. There will be blood, sweat and tears – plus whatever happens in the games! May the best fans win!

Do you have any plans to watch the Blackhawks/Red Wings series with a rival fan?

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Apr 30, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding (37) reaches for the puck in front of Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

This isn’t a nonsense post about the Chicago Blackhawks‘ defense issues or goaltending troubles, specifically because Corey Crawford has played well, made big saves, and made up for any indiscretions along the way. This is about the opponent. Any opponent that the Blackhawks might face down the road in the playoffs.

The Blackhawks have shown all season that they can overcome any style of play against them. They stay focused in physical games; they can match any speed; they compete well in games of skill. But the one area where the Blackhawks have a history of breaking down is against excellent goaltending.

Some fans assume that the Hawks need to be more afraid of high-offense players because their own offense can beat any defense. Yes, a strong team defense is the key to beating the offensively talented team, and the Blackhawks have responded well this season to their own defense issues from last season; they have two goaltenders with the best record in the league! It’s almost to the point where fans should no longer be nervous about the Blackhawks’ defense or goaltending, because it has been consistent throughout the season and even the first few games of the playoffs.

But even without great defense on their side, the Blackhawks were still in the running in last year’s playoff series against the Phoenix Coyotes. Five of the six games went into overtime, and that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the ridiculous goaltending of Mike Smith. With the plays they were making and the shots they took, the Hawks could have won at least two of the games they lost whether Crawford gave up soft goals or not. Where they really struggled that series was against excellent goaltending.

This issue keeps nagging as I tried to fill out my playoff bracket. So many people called for the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Stanley Cup this year, but I just couldn’t agree with them. The thought of Chicago facing Pittsburgh in the finals isn’t that scary if you consider their goaltending. Yes, Pittsburgh has so many very talented skaters who can make plays and make shots count, but so does Chicago. Of course, the Blackhawks would need to continue to have their defensive game under firm control to have a shot, but their offensive talent going up against someone like Marc-Andre Fleury isn’t scary. I would be more afraid of facing the Washington Capitals with the way that Braden Holtby is playing.

This isn’t a Chicago vs Pittsburgh Stanley Cup Final preview, or jumping the gun to a series beyond Minnesota that the Blackhawks aren’t yet guaranteed to play. It’s just to point out that the games may be close, but the Blackhawks have consistently pulled through many styles of opponents more times than not, and if the Blackhawks remain consistent, the only teams they have to fear are those with the hottest goaltender.

Who do you thing would be the most difficult team for the Blackhawks to face in any series during the playoffs?

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Apr 30, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Comcast reporter Susannah Collins after game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Wild 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

From the way it looks on the outside, Susannah Collins was fired for a very innocent mistake made during an on-air monologue about the Chicago Blackhawks, flubbing the word “success” for a shorter version that means something much different. CSN Chicago insisted that Collins was not fired for the mistake, but for her other internet sports videos that they considered off-color.

These other videos have been online for about 3 or 4 years, so why would they fire Collins over them now? Apparently Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz just recently became aware of the videos which don’t live up to his standards for his club. Wirtz does have some say in how CSN Chicago represents his franchise, and if he has any say, he’s going to vouch for the high road.

Most recently, Patrick Kane was caught in less than flattering light last summer, and the organization made it abundantly clear how much they disagreed with his behavior and that Kane had a stern talking-to because of it. And although Kane did more damage to the franchise’s image, Collins is much more expendable. It’s uncertain who knew or if they even knew about the videos before Collins’ on-air blooper, but she has to know that doing something crude and easy would limit who would hire her in the future. Every girl has heard the stories of women who did something quick for fun and fame that came back to haunt then when they finally get their dream job. Susannah Collins joins the list.

But why now? Why so soon after such a simple mistake? Collins messed up once and corrected herself immediately, and she was probably a bit embarrassed by it.  Does the punishment fit the crime? Does CSN H.R. Department need to be blamed too for not researching Collins past?

Maybe the slip-up brought to light Collins’ other videos; maybe it was just a weird coincidence. The only thing that’s obvious is that Wirtz and the Blackhawks like to keep it classy, and you can’t be mad at that.

Do you think Rocky Wirtz and CSN Chicago overreacted in light of other mistakes in the organization?

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May 3, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding (37) makes a save in front of Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks lead the series with the Minnesota Wild 2-0, which is exactly what most people would have expected at this point in the playoffs. But getting there has been much more challenging than anticipated thanks in a large part to backup goaltender Josh Harding.

Starting Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom played in 44 regular season games but was injured during warm ups minutes before Game One began. Backup goalie Harding stepped in for the first time since January after playing in only 4 of 48 games last season with the Wild. Harding had taken a leave of absence while adjusting to medication for multiple sclerosis, a neurological disease which affects muscle movement among other symptoms. In Game One, Harding made 35 saves on 37 shots with .946 SV%  and 43 saves on 47 shots with a .915 SV% in Game Two. His stellar first performance showed exactly how he is dealing with his situation personally and professionally.

One of the greatest things about sports is the courage on display in seemingly down-and-out situations. The perseverance of injured players can inspire fans, teammates, and opponents. Harding’s opponents in round one of playoffs are no exception and responded to his and his teammates’ performance in the first two games of the series.

While giving interviews between game 1 and 2, several Blackhawks players commented on Harding’s situation and performance. Captain Jonathan Toews acknowledged that Harding doesn’t want sympathy from fans, teammates, and especially opponents, so he doesn’t give him that. Toews shows his respect for Harding by crediting the goaltender’s strong performance to hard work and taking responsibility on his shoulders when his team needed him. Patrick Sharp admires Harding calling him an inspiration to persevere through his own injuries.

Corey Crawford especially appreciated how Harding came in as a player in an unexpected situation, coming into the game cold and setting the tone for his teammates. The Wild rallied around him and together helped frustrate the Blackhawks offensively making them battle for everything. That’s a mark of a good goaltender, no matter what.

Others, like Andrew Shaw and Joel Quenneville, agreed with Crawford that Harding’s strong performance shifted their attention very quickly from admiration to the task at hand. They talked strategy for beating a solid goalie without even mentioning Harding’s condition, because at the end of the day, they need to put pucks in the net no matter who’s there. That task proved challenging, especially in Game One.

In short, the Blackhawks are treating Harding like any other top goaltender. Some see his story as inspirational, but when it comes to the game, they know he’s dangerous and how his team responds to him is dangerous. The Blackhawks have to work just as hard as they would against any other top goaltender in the league, and that’s probably the most inspiring thing about it all.

What are some of your favorite hockey perseverance stories?

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Mar. 24, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) takes a shot on New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during overtime at Madison Square Garden. Washington won in a shootout, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Washington Capitals Vs. #6 New York Rangers

Regular Season Series

Sun. Feb 17 – 2-1 Rangers

Sun. Mar. 10 – 4-1 Rangers

Sun. Mar. 24 – 3-2 SO Capitals

Series Schedule

Thursday May 2 in Washington, 7:30 PM

Saturday May 4 in Washington, 12:30 PM

Monday May 6 in New York, 7:30 PM

Wednesday May 8 in New York, 7:30 PM

Friday May 10 in Washington, 7:30 PM

Sunday May 12 in New York, TBD

Monday May 13 in Washington, TBD

Capitals

Season Record 27-18-3, 57 points, +19 goal differential, 15-8-1 home record, 12-10-2 road record, 8-1-1 in last 10

The Washington Capitals were solidly out of the playoff picture in mid March until their Captain led the team to one of the most impressive playoff sprints this season. Alex Ovechkin earned himself the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for most goals as he boosted his team to the top spot in the Southeast Conference and home ice advantage for the postseason. They are one of the few teams that are on fire going into the playoffs and have the ability to make a deep run if they keep up their follow-the-leader playing style.

Top Scorer – Alex Ovechkin, 56 points (32G, 24A)

Starting Goaltender – Braden Holtby, 2.58 GAA, .920 save percentage

Rangers

Season Record 26-18-4, 56 points, +18, 16-6-2 home record, 10-12-2 road record, 7-3-0 in last 10

The New York Rangers staggered into the season after a letdown year last year when many had them pegged to go all the way to fight for the Cup. After a pretty rocky season, they managed to pull themselves together and now resemble last years’ team with strong goaltending and defense. Their trade with Columbus for Rick Nash has paid off as he’s one of the team’s top goal scorers. They could cause a lot of trouble for any opponent as long as their team game holds up.

Top Scorers – Derek Stepan, 44 points (18G, 26A), Rick Nash 42 points (21G, 21A)

Starting Goaltender – Henrik Lundqvist, 2.05 GAA, .926 save percentage

Notes

Both teams are hot going into the post season which promises to be one of the more action packed series of the playoffs.

The Capitals and Rangers faced off last year in the second round of the playoffs where the Rangers pulled off a victory on home ice in the 7th game.

Prediction – The Capitals will win the series in game 7. I’m really hoping to see something similar to last year because that was a spectacular series! But this time, the Caps have home ice advantage and will make it count. It will be another close series where Washington narrowly wins it in the end.

Do you think it will be another close series between the Capitals and Rangers?

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Mar 05, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA; Vancouver Canucks center Henrik Sedin (33) and San Jose Sharks right wing Adam Burish (37) faceoff during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Canucks Vs. #6 Sharks

Season Series: Sharks swept the Canucks (3-0-0)

Sun Jan. 27 Canucks @ Sharks 4-1 Sharks win

Tue Mar. 5 Sharks @ Canucks 3-2 SO Sharks win

Mon Apr. 1 Canucks @ Sharks 3-2 Sharks win

Series Schedule

Wednesday, May 1 in Vancouver, 10:30 P.M.

Friday, May 3 in Vancouver, 10:00 P.M.

Sunday, May 5 in San Jose, 10:00 P.M.

Tuesday, 7 in San Jose, 10:00 P.M.

Thursday, May 9 in Vancouver, 10:00 P.M.

Saturday, May 11 in San Jose, TBD

Monday, May 13 in Vancouver, TBD

Canucks

Season Record: 26-15-7, 59 pts., +6 goal differential, Home Record: 15-6-3, Road Record: 11-9-4, last ten games: 5-4-1

The Canucks are the Northwest Division Champions again this season, with only the Minnesota Wild to help represent the division in the playoffs. They’ve had an up and down season and haven’t been as dominant as they have the past few years. We all know about their goaltending drama, but the Canucks have been consistent with Corey Schneider as the starting goaltender and Roberto Luongo backing him up. The Canucks will have home ice advantage and need to adjust their regular season home record of 15-6-3 if they hope to ward off the Sharks in the first round.

Canucks top scorer – Henrik Sedin 45 pts. (11G, 34A)

Starting Goaltender – Corey Schneider, 2.11 GAA, .927 save percentage

Sharks

Season Record: 25-16-7, 57 pts., +8 goal differential, Home Record: 17-2-5, Road Record: 8-14-2, last ten games: 5-5-0

The Sharks had a great start to the season, going 7-0-1 before faltering and blending in with the crowd. They swept the Canucks in a 3 game season series, once in a shootout. The Sharks won’t have home ice advantage for this series which could be an issue since their regular season road record is 8-14-2. The key to defeating the Canucks is playing a stronger road game every night in hopes of stealing a couple in Vancouver.

Sharks top scorers – Joe Thornton 40 pts. (7G, 33A), Logan Couture 37 pts. (21G, 16A)

Starting Goaltender – Antti Niemi, 2.16 GAA, .924 save percentage

Notes

Raffi Torres was traded from Canucks to the Sharks this season. We’ll see if he’s stopped his human wrecking ball ways or if he lets the Canucks feel some of it.

Both the Sharks and Canucks have lost 2 games in preparation for the post season, so it’s a matter of which team will turn it up and overtake the opponent.

Prediction – Sharks will advance in 7. Both teams have almost identical records, but the Sharks faced more talented opponents against the Anaheim Ducks and the LA Kings, the defending Stanley Cup champions. It will be a back and forth series that eventually goes to the Sharks.

What is your prediction for the Sharks/Canucks series?

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Apr 7, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) and left wing Brandon Saad (20) react to a goal scored by center Jonathan Toews (not pictured) against the Nashville Predators during the third period at the United Center. The Blackhawks beat the Predators 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

It’s that time of year again where playoff bound hockey players become so focused that they can’t even shave. Most of them grow out their facial hair in a completely admirable fashion. The others, we let them pass as long as they make it deep into the playoffs. Their patchiness is commendable as long as they’re holding the Stanley Cup. But others… others take a different approach on their journey to the Cup.

Patrick Kane is continuing his staple playoffs style by growing a mullet complete with three stripes shaved on either side of his head. And he is grooming (pun totally intended) young Brandon Saad to follow in his footsteps. Saad has a similar, less fluffy mullet and done by his own free will, no dares or anything. Although, his only has two stripes on either side of his head, because you have to work your way up in this league.

Beards are great. Wannabe beards are acceptable as long as they’re playing hockey. Mullets are not either of those things. But on the bright side, it’s exciting to know that some of the best Blackhawks players are so young that they have find alternate ways to participate in the spirit of the postseason. And it’s hard to admit, but the mullets bring a little bit of fun to a tense situation and cause a few smiles here and there. So as much as this pains me to say, if Kane and Saad want to do the mullet thing, then I hope they do it for real.

May their mullets grow large in the playoffs and become unnoticeable next to Lord Stanley’s Cup in June. Cheers!

Do you think Kane’s mullet adds anything to the spirit of the playoffs?

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Apr 9, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery (30) makes a save on Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville (29) and forward Kyle Brodziak (21) during the third period at the Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In most exciting game of the season so far, two pieces to the Chicago Blackhawks puzzle will be out of place against the Minnesota Wild. Dave Bolland and Ray Emery will both be out with lower body injuries as the first game of the Wild/Blackhawks series gets underway. Bolland has missed the last several games with a lower body injury and has played in 35 of 48 games this season. He’s listed as “day to day” but will hopefully rest and drink plenty of rat juice (that’s what I’m calling it) to amp himself up as the great agitator in playoffs.

Emery left midway through the first period of Wednesday’s game in Edmonton and has not been back since. He’s listed as “day to day”, and Blackhawks fans could use him warming the bench for his team soon just for added peace of mind. Henrik Karlsson will backup Corey Crawford in net for the time being, so all of that “goalie controversy” talk was fun while it lasted, but, c’mon, Crawford’s the man. Joel Quenneville didn’t really have to make a choice after all.

Do you think these injuries will make much of an impact in the first game? What about in the series?

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Mar 5, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) battles for position with Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) during the third period at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 5-3. The Blackhawks set an NHL record for scoring at least one point in 23 consecutive games to open a season. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

It took until the very last game of the season for the Chicago Blackhawks to find out who they will face in the first 7-game series of the postseason. The Minnesota Wild managed to win the honors by way of a tie-breaker with the Columbus Blue Jackets. So here are 5 quick facts to help get familiar with the Blackhawks’ next playoff opponent and future division rival.

Final record: 26-19-3, 55 points

The Wild have a respectable record that barely put them above the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 24-17-7 record (55 points) for the 8th seed in the playoffs. They went 4-5-1 in their last 10 games and fell from 6th to 8th in their lackluster playoff push. Hopefully that means they’ll be coming in a little colder than the Blackhawks’ alternative opponents, the Blue Jackets.

Negative goal differential

The Wild are the only team in the playoffs with a negative goal differential, having been outscored by their opponents by 5. This may not be a fair comparison since they are the best in the league, but the Blackhawks are a +53 in this department.

Top Players

The Wild made the biggest splash over the summer by acquiring both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. It has paid off with both Parise and Suter landing in the team’s top three in points. Parise with 38 (18G, 20A), Mikko Koivu with 37 (11G, 26A), and Suter with 32 (4G, 28A) round out the top three.

Special Teams

Special teams will make a big difference in the playoffs, and the Blackhawks will have some work to do to bring down the 17.9% PP conversion of the Wild. Fortunately, the Blackhawks have one of the best PK percentages in the league with an 87.2% kill rate. The Blackhawks need to improve their mediocre 16.7% PP conversion rate against the Wild’s PK 80.7%.

Top Goaltender

Let’s just say that the Wild aren’t as blessed as the Blackhawks when it comes to rotating goaltenders this year. Niklas Backstrom is undoubtedly their top goalie, taking a huge load of games for the Wild playing in 42 of 48 games. He’s one of the league leaders in wins with a record of 24-15-3-2 and a .909 save percentage with 2.48 goals against average. Last year, the Blackhawks went up against a goaltender going into the playoffs with .930 SV% and 2.21 GAA.

Averages and statistics don’t mean much once the series actually begins since all teams ratchet up their game a couple of notches, but the Wild managed to snag a playoff spot by the skin of their teeth after sitting in the 6th spot for a few weeks. They’ll need to regroup and make a whole lot of improvements if they want to win this series against the Blackhawks who are consistent, confident, well-rested, and a fairly healthy team.

Which of these facts about the Wild do you think will help or hurt the Blackhawks the most in the first playoffs series?

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